Alternative Olympics – other things to do in London during the Games

London River Party

This new party night takes to the water two evenings a week for drinking and dancing with the backdrop of London’s lights. A house DJ will provide the tunes as the boat departs from Westminster Pier at 7.30pm, returning to Blackfriars Pier at 11.30pm. The price includes a free shot with your first drink, nibbles, plus free entry to Temple Walkabout, so the party doesn’t have to end when you dock.

£15 Monday & Tuesday nights
Victoria Embankment, Westminster SW1A 2JH 
Tube | Westminster
thelondonriverparty.co.uk

Olympic Journey: Story of the Games

Learn about the Olympics through the ages at the Royal Opera House. This one-off exhibition has teamed up with the Olympic Museum in Lausanne to include artefacts from athletes as well as audio and film on display in the capital for the first time. You’ll also be able to have a look at medals since 1896 and the torches since 1936. There’s also a section dedicated to the first Games, held in Ancient Greece.

July 28-Aug 12
Bow Street, Covent Gardens, WC2E 9DD
Tube | Covent Garden
roh.org.uk/visit

London Eye Olympic Lates

For two weeks only during the Olympics, the London Eye will be running until midnight, affording stunning views over the capital. Visitors can also book a new capsule experience, which includes either champagne, or finger food and wine. If you’re yet to go on the Eye, this will be your best chance to do it. Book now.

£15+ | July 27-Aug 12
Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank, SE1 7PB
Tube | Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross, Westminster
londoneye.com

Social Archive Two

Have your say about the impact of the Games by taking part in this series of short films looking at how people living in London have been affected. It’s part of three stages of shorts, which will be screened in a free exhibition.

Workshops £5: June 23 & 30, July 5.
Exhibition July 12-21.
Free | Rivington Place, EC2A 3BA
Tube | Old Street
rivingtonplace.org

The Olympic Trail

Check out how the sought-after medals were made for this year’s Games: from the designs and the mining of the metal, through to their production at the Royal Mint.

Until Sept 9 | Free
British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG 
Tube | Holborn
britishmuseum.org